Survey of 800 county firms says Brexit is a non-factor

Around nine in 10 companies plan no change to their business activity levels in the post-EU referendum period and those who do plan changes, actually indicate an increase.

This was one of the findings of the 2016 Buckinghamshire Business Survey, commissioned by the Buckinghamshire Business First organisation.

The survey included interviews with 800 businesses in August and September to gather their views on a wide range of issues, including Brexit, broadband and the structure of local government.

It included interviews with some 267 companies in Aylesbury Vale.

Businesses were asked whether they planned to increase or decrease their levels of activity in specified areas, such as exporting and investment in marketing and training. They were then quizzed on how these plans had been affected by the result of the referendum in June.

Far more businesses indicated they would be increasing their activity levels in almost every area compared to those who would be decreasing activity, while the impact of the EU referendum was largely non-existent.

A breakdown specifically for Aylesbury Vale respondents is not given.

In other results,it also showed the Vale has the lowest percentage (93) of companies with broadband in the whole county and 19 per cent – or 43 firms – reported slow internet speeds.

A total of 43 per cent – 97 companies – of Vale respondents said they have standard internet speeds while 39 per cent – 90 businesses – said they enjoy superfast broadband.

The full report can be downloaded at bbf.uk.com.